Excerpts from Three Reviews Coming in the February 27 Issue of Publishers Weekly

by Staff, Religion BookLine -- Publishers Weekly, 2/22/2006

Mary, Martha, and Me: Seeking the One Thing That Is Needful
Camille Fronk Olson. Deseret Book, $15.95 (134p) ISBN 1-59038-547-0

In this brief and engaging work on Jesus' interactions with Mary and Martha of Bethany, Olson shows her chops as a professor of biblical studies (she teaches at Brigham Young University), paying close attention to the gospel texts. She begins with the famous story of Mary of Bethany sitting at Jesus' feet, listening to him teach, while her sister Martha bustled about and was "cumbered about much serving." Olson contextualizes the story with first-century customs and religious observances, relating it to other narratives about Lazarus's death and resurrection, as well as Mary's controversial anointing of Jesus with spikenard. Olson mixes the biblical explorations with stories from her own life, including her relationship with her grandmother (who comes across as at once tender and formidable). Although this book is intended for an audience of Mormon women and draws occasionally on the Book of Mormon and the teachings of LDS leaders, it deserves a wide readership for its fresh and thoughtful rendering of familiar New Testament stories. (Apr.)

Praying with the Church: Developing a Daily Rhythm for Spiritual Formation
Scot McKnight. Paraclete, $15.95 paper (192p) ISBN 1-55725-481-8

In this folksy, practical and welcoming guidebook for Protestants unacquainted with, or perhaps even suspicious of, what he calls the "prayer book tradition" of the Church, McKnight attempts to root liturgical prayer in three things: biblical practice, a theology based on "loving God and loving others," and an ecumenical sensitivity to the riches of various Christian traditions. McKnight explores the Jewish practice of prayer, how Jesus practiced prayer, and how various denominations use the Psalms and the Bible as foundations for liturgy. He also draws from his own experiences to illustrate how Christians can use prayer books grounded in the Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Anglican traditions. Laced with quotations from many "real-life" users, this helpful volume concludes with a chapter on how prayer book liturgies can be adapted for individual use. (May)

Religious Environmentalism and Our Planet's Future: Promises of a Greener Faith
Roger S. Gottlieb. Oxford, 29.95 (320p) ISBN 0-19-5176-480

The argument of Gottlieb's hopeful, surprising book is that today, religious people and organizations are among the most committed, and most persuasive, environmental activists. Gottlieb's view is global, principally examining religious green activism in the U.S., but also looking at Zimbabwe, Taiwan, and the Vatican. And his approach is ecumenical, encompassing Jewish and Christian theologians who have found a powerful biblical call to stewardship of God's creation, and Buddhist teachers who are prompted by their belief in compassion to extend care to the natural world. Church groups have participated in peaceful demonstrations against the Bush administration's energy policy; Jews, inspired by the holiday of Tu B'Shvat, the birthday of the trees, have planted redwoods in denuded stream banks owned by grasping corporations; and interfaith groups have petitioned lawmakers to address global warming. Gottlieb keeps academic jargon to a minimum, so this timely book should have crossover appeal. (May)